Free The Regency Detective by David Lassman Page B

these occasions, had been tormenting his ear about certain judicial matters. He excused himself from their berating and came over to where Swann and Mary now stood.
    ‘Before I forget,’ said Fitzpatrick, ‘I have this very evening learnt of some news which I believe will be of most interest to you Mary. The Tilneys have been blessed with a second daughter, whom I believe they mean to name Jane.’
    ‘That is wonderful news, thank you Henry. And the mother, she is well?’
    ‘Yes, I understand Catherine is well.’
    ‘I am glad,’ replied Mary. ‘The couple actually met in Bath,’ Mary now said to her brother. ‘What is it now, Henry, five, six years ago?’
    ‘At least that, I would say,’ replied Fitzpatrick.
    Swann realised Mary’s meaning and smiled. ‘I do not believe that I shall be so fortunate, even though I can see there are many who would wish it so.’
    Before Mary could respond, however, Lockhart appeared beside them.
    ‘Mary, you are here! You did not receive my communication?’
    ‘Yes I did Edmund, but I decided to attend after all. Jack was kind enough to escort me. And now that I am here Edmund, will you kindly ask me for a dance. You do not mind Jack?’
    Swann shook his head. ‘Of course not, I shall enjoy resuming my conversation with Fitzpatrick.’
    Although reluctant, Lockhart conceded and the couple moved off toward the dance floor, just in time for the beginning of the next dance. Lockhart and Mary took their places in the appropriate lines, facing each other, and the music began.
    Swann stood with Fitzpatrick and watched the couple.
    ‘What do you know about that gentleman, Lockhart?’ asked Swann.
    ‘Not much,’ replied Fitzpatrick. ‘I am acquainted with him through Kirby, a fellow magistrate. I believe they have mutual interests in London. He does seem to have made quite an impression on your sister. But why do you ask?’
    ‘Precisely because of that impression, Mr Fitzpatrick.’
    Fitzpatrick tapped his own pocket. ‘Thank you once more for yesterday,’ he said. ‘It would have caused great inconvenience had you not recovered my bill-purse after it was stolen.’
    ‘You are most welcome,’ said Swann. ‘It is most ironic though. I saw the very thief emerge from the courthouse, where no doubt he had just been set free from a previous crime, and almost in sight of the building, immediately commit two instances of pickpocketing.’
    ‘There was another victim?’
    ‘He attempted to steal from my person as well, but when on the street I always keep my valuables elsewhere.’ At this, Swann tapped his hat to indicate the hiding place.
    ‘I was speaking to Kirby about the incident and told him that we could do with a man like you here. You do not have the inclination to stay on in Bath?’
    ‘I am afraid my place is in London.’
    ‘I hope I do not appear impertinent, but Mary informed me you were adopted by her family, yet you do not share the same surname.’
    ‘It is out of respect for my real father. Has Mary told you the circumstances surrounding the adoption?’
    Fitzpatrick shook his head. ‘I hope I have not spoken out of turn?’
    ‘Not at all,’ replied Swann. ‘My father was butler to the Gardiners. He was murdered trying to protect their property in their London residence. In gratitude the family brought me up as their child. I have spent the last number of years searching for my father’s killer. His name is Malone, which is why I was asking you about him earlier today.’
    Meanwhile, out on the dance floor, Mary and Lockhart circled each other once again, as part of the sequence of figures making up the dance.
    ‘May I ask you a question?’ said Mary.
    ‘Certainly Mary, my dearest.’
    ‘Why did you have a change of heart about my coming here?’
    ‘My darling Mary, it was because you put me in a most troublesome quandary. I truly do applaud your action and would have stayed with my original intention of accompanying you, but I did not wish to